“Austria Must Give a Good Lesson to Serbia”: 17 July 1914

On 17 July 1914, the Serbian Ambassador to London informed the Serbian Prime Minister of Austro-Hungarian actions in London. He believed the Austrian Embassy was trying to manipulate British opinion against Serbia.

Boschkovic to Pašić. London, 17 July 1914.

The Austrian Embassy is making very great efforts to win over the English press against us, and to induce it to favour the idea that Austria must give a good lesson to Serbia. The Embassy is submitting to the news editors cuttings from our newspapers as a proof of the views expressed in our press. The situation may become more acute during the next few weeks.

No reliance should be placed in the ostensibly peaceable statements of Austro-Hungarian official circles, as the way is being prepared for diplomatic pressure upon Serbia, which may develop into an armed attack. It is probable that as soon as Austria-Hungary has taken action at Belgrade she will change her attitude and will seek to humiliate Serbia.